The Top Headlines From AVweb's Expanded,
Illustrated News Coverage At AVweb's
NewsWire.

CALIFORNIA
DREAMIN' (OF A SUNNY DAY)...
Rampant (and perhaps record-setting) rains in southern California have
wrecked about one-third of the 2,650-foot runway at Santa Paula
Airport, a busy, privately owned public-use GA field about 20 miles
northwest of Los Angeles. Santa Paula is home to about 300 planes,
many of them vintage. The banks of the Santa Clara River have been
eroding since a five-day storm in January, and the (unusual for
California) persistent periodic downpours have since made it worse.
Last Tuesday, the overflowing river was cutting away at its banks and
threatening hangars as well as the runway, and the airport closed.
"Our effort now is to save what we've got left, with the hopes of
repairing the damage and reopening this airport someday," airport
director Bruce Dickenson, whose grandfather founded the airport in
1930, told The Los Angeles Times. More...

...AS
MONEY TRICKLES IN...
On Saturday, officials announced they had secured a $6 million federal
grant to be split between the airport and an erosion-control project.
"This is all very good news," Rowena Mason, president of the Santa
Paula Airport Association, told The Ventura County Star. "Businesses [at the
airport] keep asking us whether they need to move. The flight school
has temporarily left for Oxnard Airport. This has been devastating."
The field is home to an aviation museum, 25 businesses, and about 100
workers. About $250,000 already has been spent on emergency repairs.
More...

...CORONA
AIRPORT RECOVERS -- IN TIME FOR MORE FLOODS
Meanwhile, Corona Municipal Airport, about 20 miles east of
Los Angeles, reopened after a devastating flood last month, but had to
close again as the water keeps coming back. "They just got done
cleaning up the mud, repainting the taxiway and runway markings,
fixing the gates, inspecting the buildings, restoring water and power,
and reopening the airport to traffic," says local CFI Ron Rapp, when the flooding returned. Corona
reopened for limited use over the weekend, but more rain was
expected. "The upside is that if that airport wasn't on a floodplain,
the way property values are, it would have been developed a long time
ago," Rapp told AVweb. This year's trouble could have long-term
implications. More...

PAYING TOO MUCH FOR LIFE INSURANCE?If you
are a pilot who currently has or is applying for a life insurance
policy with anyone other than the Pilot Insurance Center (PIC),
STOP WHAT YOU ARE DOING! You are probably overpaying for your
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quote, or visit PIC at http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/piclife/avflash.

EVER
CONSIDER LYING TO THE FAA?
Whatever your reason may be ... A man who lied on his FAA application
for a Student Pilot certificate was sentenced to five months in prison
by a U.S. District Court in Winston Salem, N.C., earlier this month.
Tony Cox, 45, of Burlington, N.C., was sentenced on a felony count of falsifying the application by
failing to disclose a prior drug conviction for possession of cocaine.
The Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General (OIG)
investigated the case. The FAA assisted and provided key testimony in
the trial and sentencing phase on implications for aviation safety
from the offenses, the OIG said in a news release. More...

...DESPITE
CONVENTIONAL WISDOM...
While it might be expected that felons can go to prison for
aviation-related crimes such as selling bogus aircraft parts, many
aviators presume that the penalty for lying on an FAA application
would be the revocation of the certificate. However, Harry Hobgood,
assistant U.S. attorney in the North Carolina case, said that pilots
shouldn't be surprised that a lie could result in criminal charges.
"Drug usage is a big deal to the FAA," he told AVweb. He said
that Cox's omission was found in standard cross-checking of the
application. "This was not a minor omission. This was about as
egregious as it gets," he said. He said Cox had been in jail twice
before on drug charges. More...

...PROSECUTORS
WILL PROSECUTE
Since 1998, the OIG has won convictions in more than 150 cases related
to aviation safety, with total fines assessed of more than $27
million. Those investigations generally fall into four categories: the
illegal manufacture or distribution of aircraft parts that do not meet
FAA standards; charges of falsifying airman or mechanic certificates;
false statements regarding the condition of aircraft or filing false
aircraft certifications; and shipping or allowing the shipping of
hazardous materials by air without proper certification. The OIG lists
a digest of its convictions online. Some examples
from that list: A Texas pilot got three months in jail in February
2003 for lying about a past DUI charge on his airman medical
application. More...

CONDITION
GREEN FOR GLOBAL FLYER
As of our deadline, conditions were looking good for a launch this
afternoon for the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer from Salina, Kan.
Veteran record-setter Steve Fossett aims to fly the long lanky
aircraft solo around the world without stopping, a trip expected to
take about 80 hours. Fossett completed a successful taxi test last
week, described as a "dress rehearsal" for today's takeoff. The route -- subject to change, of course -- leads
from Kansas, past Chicago and Gander, Newfoundland, then across the
Atlantic. The route crosses Europe and heads southeast across the
Persian Gulf, then across India, China, Japan, and the Pacific.
More...

GA
SAFETY RECORD REACHES NEW HIGH, AOPA SAYS
Last year's preliminary GA accident data from the NTSB shows the
fewest GA accidents since record-keeping began in 1938 and the lowest
number of fatal accidents since 1945, AOPA said last week. The number of GA accidents in
2004 dropped 8.4 percent compared to 2003, and the number of fatal
accidents declined 11.4 percent, AOPA said. The numbers also improved
for flying during instruction. There were 17 fatal instructional
accidents in 2004, half the total of 2003. Total instructional
accidents were down almost 12 percent. More...

AIRPORT
VERSUS FAA
Apparently, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is
operating under a different set of fiscal rules than the FAA. The FAA
objected when the management of Gerald R. Ford International Airport, in Grand
Rapids, Mich., doubled their rent after a 10-year lease expired back
in September 2002. The airport wanted the FAA to pay $50 per square
foot for its 3,000 square feet of prime terminal space, which the
airport said was the going rate. After two years of stalemate, the FAA
has agreed to pay $274,000 in back rent, after the airport threatened
to sue, the Grand Rapids Press reported on Thursday. The FAA
will vacate the premises ... which now will be rented to the TSA,
which had no problem with the rental rate. More...

FAA
REVAMPS CVR/FDR RULES
The FAA on Thursday proposed new rules for aircraft that are required to carry a
Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and Flight Data Recorder (FDR) . New CVRs
will be required to hold two hours of data instead of the current 15
to 30 minutes. Magnetic tape must be replaced with digital data
storage, which is more durable and reliable. The FDR must record data
more frequently and store 25 hours' worth of information. The CVR must
have an independent backup power source good for at least 10 minutes.
"Good data is often the key to deciphering what went wrong in an
aircraft incident or accident," said FAA Administrator Marion Blakey.
"Increasing the likelihood that recorders yield crucial data improves
overall safety by giving us the chance to analyze these events."
Implementation could cost the industry up to $420 million.
More...

LANCAIR
FLY-IN AND CIRRUS ROAD SHOW
Not everyone can make it to the big air shows to check out the latest
new airplanes, so Cirrus has packed one of its aircraft (minus the
wings) into the trailer of a giant 18-wheeler and is taking it out to
the nation's blue highways. The Cirrus Road Show launched in January and will
continue through November, with stops in Stockton, Calif.; Knoxville,
Tenn.; New Haven, Conn.; and lots more. Visitors can climb into the
cockpit, check out the avionics and get a feel for the side control
yoke. "If that's not enough, we can set up a demonstration flight for
you at a nearby airport," Cirrus says. For pilots who already own a Lancair, or want to mingle with those who do, they
can fly in to Scottsdale, Ariz., March 31-April 3. Owners will mix
seminars with social events in the desert sun. More...

AIR
SHOWS AHEAD ... SUN 'N FUN POSTS ARRIVAL INFO
Like gardeners with their seed catalogs, aviators wile away the gloomy
winter hours dreaming of air shows to come. Sun 'n
Fun is the traditional season opener. This year's event in
Lakeland, Fla., April 12-18, is sure to bring sport planes out to play
and "EAA's Sport Pilot experts will be available to help people fully
explore this exciting new avenue of access to personal flight,"
according to an EAA release. Expect expanded coverage from
AVweb. A full slate of workshops and forums, a night air show,
a balloon launch, and the splash-in at Lake Parker are all set to go.
The arrival procedures are online now, and a share-a-flight page is posted for those with a
spare seat or in need of one. EAA AirVenture Oshkosh (July 25-31) also
has a new online rideshare feature, for travelers arriving by air
or land. More...

BENEFIT AVIATION & YOURSELF WITH THE NAA PLATINUM
VISA® CARDIn addition to favorable rates, NAA
cardholders will receive benefits including a discounted rate for NAA
membership and aviation products. You may also qualify for no-cost
accidental death and dismemberment coverage and aircraft damage
reimbursement. NAA, the first national aviation association, receives
a contribution from BankOne with every purchase made on the NAA
Platinum Visa® Card. Those contributions help NAA preserve
the heritage of aviation by supporting the presentation of prestigious
awards and the certification of national aviation records. For more
information  and for the 2004 Collier Winner  go to http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/naa/visa/avflash.

ON
THE FLY...
NATCA responds to AVweb's story on the NY TRACON, in today's
AVmail...Metal fatigue blamed for 2002 breakup of China Airlines
747...Software adds four light aircraft to Microsoft Flight
Simulator 2004...Airborne salute to Gen. Paul Tibbets on CNN, 10
p.m. (ET) Tuesday...Space Shuttle to resume flight in late May.
More...

NEW
ARTICLES AND FEATURES ON AVWEB
_______COLUMNS Motor Head #5: Is Franklin Gone For Good?It isn't always
true that the "best" products are the ones that succeed. Franklin
engines are still loved by many, but it looks like there won't be any
new ones. AVweb's Motor Head, Marc Cook, looks at what we'll miss with
the loss of Franklin, checks out Japanese manufacturing and brings
news on the rotary front. More...

SEE CLEARLY METHOD IMPROVES & STRENGTHENS VISION
NATURALLYThe See Clearly Method does this without
the risk or expense of laser surgery. Developed by award-winning
optometrists and research scientists, the See Clearly Method is based
on the same principles and techniques used by thousands of pilots in
WWII. As one pilot states, "I never thought it was possible to
actually improve your vision, but it worked. I tell other pilots that
this is an effective way to improve your vision, naturally."
Call (800) 881-7934 for a no-cost informational video, or visit http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/seeclear/avflash.

AVWEB'S
BUSINESS AVFLASH
HAVE YOU SIGNED UP yet for AVweb's NO-COST twice monthly Business
AVflash? Reporting on breaking news, Business AVflash also focuses on
the companies, the products and the industry leaders that make
headlines in the Business of Aviation. Business AVflash is a must
read. Watch for a Business AVflash regular feature, TSA WATCH: GA
IN THE "SPOTLIGHT". Sign up today at http://www.avweb.com/profile/More...

ATTENTION, PIPER OWNERS & PILOTSThe new
Piper Flyer Association (PFA) provides parts locating, tech
support, a monthly member magazine, online forums, national & regional
events, an annual convention, seminars, and more. For less than a tank
of fuel ($39.00 for a one-year membership), you can access the needed
information to expand your knowledge and get more enjoyment from
owning and flying your Piper aircraft. Join the Piper Flyer
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Go to http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/pfa/avflash.

DON'T HAVE A LOW-LEVEL MONOXIDE MONITOR YET? NOW WITH
5-YEAR BATTERY!!Low levels of carbon monoxide can be
extremely hazardous in aircraft, because the effects of CO and hypoxia
are cumulative. A small CO leak may be an early warning sign of
an impending life-threatening problem. Don't take chances!
With its digital readout that displays CO concentrations as low as 10
parts per million, the CO Experts Model 2004 from
Aeromedix.com is by far the most sensitive carbon monoxide
detector you can buy for less than $100. Now includes a 5-year
battery at no extra charge! Order today by calling (800) 362-7123,
or go online at http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/aeromedi/avflash.

AVIDYNE'S CMAX APPROACH CHARTS TAKE SITUATIONAL
AWARENESS TO THE NEXT LEVELCMax Approach
Charts, which can be displayed on Avidyne's FlightMax EX500 or
Entegra/EX5000 MFDs, provide geo-referenced approach charts and
airport diagrams. CMax reduces the amount of paper in your
cockpit, and allows you to access critical chart data more quickly and
easily. CMax overlays your flight plan and aircraft position for
optimum orientation. CMax even shows runway incursion hotspots
and improves taxiway awareness, reducing the need for "progressives"
at unfamiliar airports. With CMax, youll know exactly
where you are on the approach or on the field. http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/avidyne/avflash.

ASA GETS "FIT"  THE FAA HAS RECOGNIZED
ASA'SIP Trainer and Instrument Refresher: An IPC
Simulator as FAA/Industry Training Standard (FITS)
products, finding them more convenient and accessible, less
expensive, and more relevant to today's pilots. These are the
only desktop flight simulators to achieve this FAA endorsement.
IP Trainer is for the not-yet-instrument-rated pilot,
covering every facet of instrument flight training. The Instrument
Flying textbook is included to complete an integrated flight and
ground training program. Instrument Refresher: An IPC
Simulator is for the instrument-rated pilot who wants to
practice maneuvers required for instrument currency, could use
some occasional dual instruction, and wants the ability to refine
skills before taking an Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC). Order
online at http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/asadirect/avflash.

PILOTS COMMENT AFTER READING IFR: A STRUCTURED
APPROACH:"The GPS chapter alone is worth getting the
book. ... It's the best instrument flying book I have ever read,"
states Fred Scott. "If one book could help you make the leap from a
bit player to a skilled conductor of instrument flight, this is
probably it," reads a November 2003 AOPA Pilot review. With the
help of this book, you will establish your own personal standard
operating practices for IFR, including incorporation of checklists,
flows, callouts, briefings, and the "fly by the numbers" method of
aircraft control. For more information and to order, go to http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/skyroad/avflash.

THOUGHT THAT USING GPS WOULD BE FUN, DIDN'T
YOU?Then you went through the manual and came away
frustrated and confused. Stop laboring to understand those
manufacturers' manuals! For less than $40 (plus shipping and handling)
you can better understand and operate most of the modern GPS units on
the market with ZD Publishing's Pilot Friendly GPS
Manuals. GPS operation is fun and rewarding when you
understand how to get the desired results. These manuals will help you
through all operations. Order at http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/zdpub/avflash.

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marketing? Send it to AVweb's sales team: mailto:sales@avweb.com.

Fly it till every part stops.

AVflash is now available in optional easier-to-read graphic format,
which includes some photos and illustrations. If you prefer, you can
continue to receive AVflash in text-only format. Simply follow these
instructions
and AVflash will continue to arrive as it always has, in text format.